DEPAR TMENT OF SOCIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY

Drug abuse is a serious problem among university students. Many young people use drugs like marijuana and methamphetamine because of peer pressure, stress, or the desire to feel good. This study looks at how people view drug abuse among students at the University of Benin, Nigeria. It explores the types of drugs students’ use, why they use them, and how society reacts to the issue. The research was done through surveys and interviews with students and university staff. The results show that drug abuse is common, and many students use drugs to cope with school pressure or to fit in with friends. However, many people misunderstand the issue, and the stigma around drug use makes it harder for students to seek help. The study suggests that universities should provide more drug education programs, better counseling services, and focus on helping students recover rather than punishing them. This research will help create better ways to prevent and reduce drug abuse among students

This study examined the effects of gambling on the lifestyle of undergraduate students in the University of Benin. The research was motivated by the increasing popularity of online betting platforms and the rising involvement of youths in gambling activities across tertiary institutions in Nigeria. A total of 150 respondents were randomly selected from various faculties within the university, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Simple descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were employed to analyze the responses. Findings revealed that gambling is a prevalent activity among undergraduate students in the University of Benin, with many students spending a significant portion of their financial resources on betting activities. The study identified peer influence, economic hardship, the desire for quick money, and promotional incentives by betting companies as major factors motivating students to engage in gambling. Furthermore, results showed that gambling negatively affects students’ academic performance, leading to poor concentration, reduced study time, and declining grades. The study also established that excessive gambling contributes to psychological problems such as anxiety, depression, and emotional distress, while also straining interpersonal relationships and promoting social isolation. Financial consequences such as debt, mismanagement of funds, and increased dependence on external support were also reported among frequent gamblers. The study concludes that gambling poses significant social, psychological, academic, and financial risks to undergraduates, despite being perceived by any as a harmless recreational or income-generating activity. It recommends that the university establish more awareness campaigns and counselling programs to address gambling addiction, enforce stricter campus policies regulating gambling activities, and introduce skill acquisition programmers to provide sustainable financial alternatives for students. Parents and guardians are also encouraged to monitor their wards’ financial habits and provide adequate support to reduce reliance on gambling income.

The purpose of the study is to investigate the effect of cultism on the academic performance of students in the University of Benin. The researcher gathered the primary data through the distribution of questionnaire. A total of 100 respondents were analyzed. The scope of the study for this work was based on the University of Benin. The result of the findings shows that students academic are highly affected by cultism. It was strongly recommended that students engagement in positive activities should be promoted as many students join cults because of peer pressure, boredom, or the search for belonging. Stronger Orientation and Awareness Programs should be introduced. Parental and Community should take an active role in monitoring and guiding their children’s academic and social lives. Strict Disciplinary Measures should be enforced and The government should introduce policies that provide continuous support for the fight against cultism

Students in university communities often face economic, academic, and social challenges that compel them to adopt alternative survival strategies. This study therefore explored students’ risk-taking behaviour (RTB) as survival strategies in Ekosodin community, focusing on the dominant forms, underlying factors, and institutional responses to such behaviours. The study was anchored on strain theory and rational choice theory, which together explains how financial pressure and peer pressures influences a students’ engagement in Risk-Taking Behaviour . A descriptive survey design was adopted, and a semi-structured questionnaire was administered to a total of 140 students, (but only 120 were recovered) residing in Ekosodin community. Data was analysed using the frequency tables, percentages and charts. The findings revealed that gambling, exam malpractice , unsafe sex and substance abuse were the common RTBs. Although, adaptive forms of RTB, such as part-time jobs and night class, were reported more frequently than maladaptive ones. Peer influence and economic strain emerged as the main drivers of RTB. Institutional support was widely reported as not existing or very weak. The study concludes that the risks students engage in daily can both serve as positive and negative coping mechanisms. It recommends that the University strengthen support and welfare policies and also redesign awareness programmes to be more interactive and student friendly

Traditional medicine has played a key role in world health in spite of great advances observed in orthodox medicine in recent decades, traditional medicine still makes an important contribution to health care delivery system. These societies thus developed indigenous medical systems through interactions with their environment to ensure the health needs of the people were met. The World Health Organization estimated that 80% of the developing countries depend on traditional medicine to meet their healthcare needs. Due to the increased use of herbal medicine, there is an urgent need for the appropriate systems of quality control in the practice as well as in the production and use of the medicines. The main objective of this study is to find out the perception and utilization of traditional medicine among residents of Benin city in Edo-State. The specific objectives of this study were: to ascertain the factors influencing the utilization of traditional medicine as perceived by Benin city residents; Ascertain how Benin city residents perceived the efficiency and effectiveness of traditional medicine in Benin city; to find out
the challenges hindering the utilization of traditional medicine; and to measure the extent of utilization of traditional medicine among residents of Benin city. With the one-time cross-sectional study designed as a subsumed survey research design both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 400 respondents 5 interviewees respectively; they were analyzed using frequency and percentages tables, chat and the Spearman’s rho correlation statistical tools. A significant proportion of the population still patronizes traditional medicine due to its ability to explain the hidden cause of illness and consequently cure the illness. There is a significant relationship (p-value=0.00 <0.05) between affordability, cheapness and traditional medicine has stood the test of time and lower level of education, income status and certain age group of traditional medicine. The Functionalist theory and the Health Belief Model were used as a theoretical guide to examine the people’s perceptions towards the utilization of traditional medicine, the study further recommend that Effective and safe use of traditional medicine should be promoted to recognize traditional practitioners, as well as to train them to produce refined herbal medicines. Hence Traditional Medicine Practitioners should be properly trained to keep them updated with contemporary trends in the world of health and epidemiology.

This study examines the impact of cyber fraud on the academic performance and study habits of undergraduate students at the University of Benin. Using a snowball sampling technique, data were collected from 380 students through surveys and interviews. The findings reveal that students engaged in cyber fraud often struggle with time management and academic performance due to distractions and misplaced priorities. The study concludes that cyber fraud negatively affects students' academic success. It recommends stricter institutional policies, awareness campaigns, and financial support programs to curb student involvement. Further research should explore this issue in other universities for a broader perspective.

Social vices among youths pose a significant challenge in communities worldwide, and Oluku in Edo State, Nigeria, is no exception. This study investigates the social control mechanisms aimed at correcting such behaviors in Oluku community. Drawing on a survey methods approach, the research explored the effectiveness of various social systems, including education, family, mass media, religion, civil society and government, in mitigating youth deviance. Convenience and purposive sampling techniques were used for selecting data and SPSS was used for the data analysis. Findings from the study revealed a nuanced understanding of social control mechanisms and highlighted persistent challenges, such as unemployment and family breakdown, hindering their efficacy. Recommendations for enhancing social control strategies and fostering positive youth development were discussed, aiming to contribute to the formulation of evidence- based policies tailored to the specific needs of Oluku community.

This study examined the usage of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in research work among final-year students in the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Benin. The research was motivated by the growing integration of AI into higher education globally and the limited context-specific evidence from Nigerian universities. The study adopted both explanatory and exploratory research designs. A sample of 120 respondents was drawn from a population of 568 final-year students across six departments using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through a semi- structured questionnaire consisting of four sections: demographic information, prevalence of AI usage, reasons for reliance, and perceived impacts on critical thinking and originality. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were employed in analyzing the data. The findings revealed that a majority of students had adopted AI tools such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, and QuillBot for their academic activities. Most respondents reported daily or weekly usage, with motivations including saving time, improving grammar, generating ideas, and simplifying complex concepts. While many students perceived AI tools as supportive of critical thinking, concerns were expressed about reduced originality, overreliance, and potential threats to academic independence. Thematic analysis further highlighted common applications in literature review, assignments, and clarification of difficult concepts. The study concluded that AI tools are now an integral part of academic practices among final-year students, providing efficiency and support but also raising important ethical and pedagogical concerns. It recommends that students use AI as a supplementary aid rather than a substitute for independent reasoning, that lecturers provide guidance on responsible usage, and that the University of Benin introduce formal policies to regulate AI adoption. Policymakers are also encouraged to develop national frameworks to promote innovation while safeguarding academic integrity.

The study set out to establish the critical factors influencing criminal activities and documents the most prevalent types of offenses committed by students on university on Benin campus .the findings are intended to offer a clear, evidence-based roadmap
for intervention, targeting the root causes identified. This study utilized a descriptive quantitative design. Data was gathered using a structured questionnaire administered to a sample of 200 respondents. This sample was drawn from the 5,040 undergraduate students residing in the four regular halls of residence (hall 1, 2, 3 and 4) selected using random and convenient sampling techniques. Analysis will be conducted using frequency distribution and percentages. This research holds substantial importance for institutional policy. The derived findings will equip the university administration with the
necessary data design proactive, targeted security policies and counseling programs,
ultimately, this work seeks to improve overall students well-being and restore a focus
on academic excellence by mitigating the factors that promote campus crime

This study examined the prevalence and causes of maternal mortality among women in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Maternal mortality, defined as the death of a woman during pregnancy or within 42 days of the termination of pregnancy, remains one of the most critical public health challenges in developing nations, especially Nigeria. Despite national and global efforts to reduce maternal deaths through initiatives such as the Safe Motherhood Initiative, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Nigeria continues to rank among the countries with the highest maternal mortality ratio (MMR) globally. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design, and data were collected from one hundred (100) women of reproductive age (15–45 years) selected through random sampling from various wards within Oredo Local Government Area. A structured questionnaire was the main instrument for data collection. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation to interpret the responses according to the research questions. Findings revealed that maternal mortality in Oredo Local Government Area is influenced by both medical and non-medical factors. The major causes identified include lack of access to skilled birth attendants, poor nutrition, delay in seeking medical attention, cultural beliefs, and poor road infrastructure, with a grand mean of 3.30. The educational status of women also plays a significant role (grand mean = 3.24), as illiteracy and low awareness contribute to poor maternal health decisions. Income level emerged as a crucial determinant (grand mean = 3.58), as low-income women often cannot afford quality healthcare, leading to home deliveries and increased mortality. Similarly, deficiencies within the healthcare system such as shortage of qualified personnel, inadequate facilities, and poor emergency services were found to significantly enhance maternal mortality (grand mean = 3.17). The study concluded that maternal mortality in Oredo LGA results from an interplay of socio-economic, educational, cultural, and infrastructural factors. It therefore recommended improved investment in healthcare infrastructure, promotion of women’s education, economic empowerment initiatives, and stronger maternal health awareness campaigns. The study contributes to existing sociological and public health knowledge by emphasizing that maternal mortality is not only a medical issue but also a manifestation of broader social and structural inequalities that demand multidimensional interventions